KARACHI: During the commencement of the 18th Karachi International Book Fair at the Karachi Expo Center, Sindh's Caretaker Chief Minister, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar, underscored the pivotal role of books in societal progress and empowerment.
He stressed the urgency to tackle the escalating prices of books, stemming from heightened import levies on paper, which he noted as a federal matter.
Aziz Khalid, Chairperson of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, echoed the significance of literature and voiced concerns regarding the steep rise in book expenses due to surging paper prices. He urged the Chief Minister to collaborate with the federal government on this issue, highlighting the local paper factories' struggles to cope with the demand.
Senator Faisal Sabzwari from MQM-Pakistan acknowledged the hurdles faced by publishers and proposed enhancing local paper industries as a solution to reduce production expenses, thereby enhancing book accessibility. He emphasized the importance of encouraging reading beyond academic curriculum to stimulate meaningful discussions and broader interest in literature.
The event culminated with accolades for significant contributors to literature, honoring Chief Minister Baqar and Faisal Sabzwari. Esteemed writers Dr. Aqeel Abbas Jafari and Dr. Bilal Naqvi, alongside publishers Amina Syed and Aleem Qureshi, were recognized. Waqar Mateen, the Book Fair Convenor, expressed gratitude to all participants as the event concluded.
